Bomb Threat at Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Home Investigated by LAPD on Thanksgiving
The Former Governor’s Brentwood Residence was “Swatted” by Unknown Suspects
Police investigated a potential bomb threat Thursday at the Los Angeles-area home of actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, authorities said.
Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call about a bomb allegedly placed in Schwarzenegger’s mailbox, according to a report by TMZ. After a search of the property, law enforcement found no explosive devices.
Schwarzenegger, 77, was not home during the search and reportedly was getting a workout at his gym, according to multiple outlets. The actor’s security team informed the LAPD that it would be nearly impossible for someone to plant a bomb on the property, citing 24-hour security and video surveillance.
The LAPD is treating the incident as a swatting — a false report made to provoke a large police response — according to
the report. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Schwarzenegger has not publicly commented on the situation.
Brentwood Beat: Maria’s Italian Kitchen to Move from Brentwood After 52 Years
By Jeff Hall
I’m ill.
Maria’s Italian Kitchen is leaving Brentwood Village and will be gone by the end of 2024.
Like many Brentwoodians, I love the place and have been going there for decades. Maria’s has been in this same location for 52 years.
Owner Maddy Alfano said she was presented with a rent increase she simply couldn’t afford.
“We have cherished being part of this community, but due to rising costs,
we must relocate,” said Alfano. “I am grateful to have created so many memories and made so many friends,” she added.
Madelyn Alfano, owner of Maria’s Italian Kitchen.
Alfano grew up in the business, working at Maria’s in her youth. Many of the recipes are family recipes.
“In 1968, my parents, Maria and Don, moved our family from Hoboken, NJ, to Los Angeles, where they took over the Village Mart Grocery Store in Brentwood Village,” according to Alfano. “My mom began cooking her famous meatballs, lasagna, and eggplant parmesan in the Meat Department, eventually converting the garage into the first Maria’s Kitchen.”
Continued Alfano: “For over 52 years, we have cherished being part of this community, but due to rising costs, we must relocate. This is a very sad
day for me and my family. But I have been blessed to have great memories
and friends in Brentwood. So long to the Brentwood Village but not to our Brentwood community.”
Maria’s, back in the 1960s. Maria’s will soon move to 3032 Wilshire, at the NW corner of Wilshire and Berkeley in Santa Monica. That’s 1.5 miles away from the heart of Brentwood, an 8-minute drive.
One advantage of this new location: Unlike Brentwood Village, Maria’s new location offers lots of free parking. There will also be dedicated spaces for pickup and delivery. Maria’s will also keep the same phone number: 310-476-6112.
A recent photo of Maria’s. I don’t think I could count all the times I went to Maria’s or called in for delivery or pickup. My grown children, now living out of town, always want to go to Maria’s when they visit. They loved Maria’s growing up. Alfano said she hated to leave, but felt she had no choice. She doesn’t know what will go in that location once she vacates.
Maddy has always been a great contributor to the Brentwood community. She has been a strong spokesperson for small business owners in Brentwood. Brentwood is an amazing place, but slowly but surely, we are losing pieces of our soul. Our treasured hangouts are disappearing, one at a time. I still miss Regular Jons and Spangles. The Brentwood Inn, in Brentwood Village, was a great watering hole.
In recent years we lost Early World and Souplantation, California Pizza Kitchen recently vanished. New York Bagel Co. is about to go. And now Maria’s. Ouch. New restaurants that arrive in Brentwood, replacing the old ones, are almost always very fancy – and very expensive.
They just aren’t the same, I’m sorry. I know I’m not the only one who thinks this. My buddy Josh Stephens is always saying we need a pub in Brentwood. I couldn’t agree more.
If anyone wants to explore creating a great Brentwood hangout – a real gathering place where we can show up in T-shirts and blue jeans – please get in touch: jeffhall@mirrormediagroupla. com.
Maybe we can come up with a plan and find local backers. Best of luck to Maddy Alfano and the entire Maria’s team. I think Maria’s food is the best. I know I’ll make the hike to Santa Monica often enough. But my wife and I can walk to Maria’s now, and we will miss that.
Good Cheer Year-Round
We’re in the holiday mood at The Watermark at Beverly Hills, with warmth, hope, and good will toward everybody. And the best gift of all? We embrace that spirit year-round in our ever-active community, where residents enjoy classes like Tai Chi or Beginners Spanish, take fun group excursions, and share stories and belly laughs over holiday feasts and memorable meals every single day.
Call 424-512-7129 to plan a tour. May all your days be merry!
A Gift for You. Sign your lease by December 31, 2024, and we’ll waive your $15,000 membership fee AND lock in your 2024 rental rate for a full year.
School of Rock West LA Turns 14 This November
By Susan Payne
While School of Rock West Los Angeles is celebrating its 14th anniversary this November, the school continues to do what it does best — teach kids how to rock.
School of Rock’s patented method of teaching uses programs that are designed to encourage learning in a supportive environment where students of all skill levels are comfortable and engaged. For kids, teens and adults, School of Rock takes music school concept to the next level.
Currently, students in Performance , School of Rock’s hallmark program for ages 8 to 18, are preparing to play a show at the Viper Room in January, a tier of the program that culminates School of Rock’s long-standing method of teaching: performance-based music education.
For students as young as preschool aged, Little Wing teaches foundational music skills through games and interactive musical activities. Rookies , ages 6 and 7, are given one weekly group music lessons learning fundamentals like chords, rhythm and song structure. In Rock 101 , for ages 8-13, students have one weekly group rehearsal and a weekly private lesson to learn music concepts and skills behind their performance songs.
Justin Salmons, the general manager of School of Rock LA, has been part of its community for almost as long as the school has been opened, watching students grow as musicians and take lessons learned into the real world.
“During the spring season, when we get on stage and have to say goodbye to our seniors, I feel like a proud parent. We know we’re sending out great citizens of the future into the community, whether they pursue music as a career or a hobby. The lessons learned in School of Rock will carry them for a lifetime,” Salmons said. “As long as they have the passion and drive, we’ll help take them to the
highest levels.”
After January, School of Rock gears up for new students and returning students in the spring, inviting kids of all skill levels, ages and music aspirations to grow into real musicians. Spring classes start in February and ends in late May.
“We’re a growing, passionate community dedicated to enriching lives through performance-based music education, but more so, our school is a safe place for students to be themselves and express their feelings. For new and returning students, its edifying and enriching for them to be surrounded by other learners who love music just as much,” Salmons said.
Other programs at School of Rock include Songwriting for ages 12 and over, offering a weekly private lesson and collaborating with other students in a group to work together on songwriting exercises and lyrical workshops. This program is only periodically offered and is one of School of Rock’s week-long summer camps.
Performance places kids in an ensemble group that study a band or genre over the course of several months, learning and rehearsing songs in preparation for a live end of season performance at a real venue, such as the Whisky-a-Go-Go, Troubadour and Viper Room. Students in Performance can later advance by auditioning for our House Band and then AllStars
Adult Program invites students over 18 to improve their musical proficiency or pick up an instrument with no prior experience. This program is also performance based, so they learn concepts and apply them in a live setting. Online for all ages, invites students to learn from the comfort of their home.
“When students are first starting out, we make it really fun for them. As they learn more, we help shape them into serious musicians. So many of our students stay for years, and that’s a testament to our mission and drive,” Salmons said.
Brentwood Weekly Crime Report: December 8, 2024 – December 16, 2024
By Senior Lead Officer Matthew Kirk
Senior Lead Officer Matthew Kirk has written the latest report of crimes committed in the Brentwood area. In total, there were eight criminal incidents during the period between December 8 and December 16, 2024.
Burglary:
12-10-24 12:30 p.m. on the 200 Block of Beloit Ave, Suspects smashed glass in the garage door and entered the residence. Suspects then ransacked the location and removed the property. The property taken was a watch.
12-10-24 5:15 p.m.– 5.25 p.m., at 300 S. Bundy Drive, Suspects smashed the back glass door and entered the location. The suspects ransacked the residence and removed the property. Three suspects were observed by a neighbor fleeing the location and got into a white 4 door sedan driven by a 4th suspect. A witness described all four suspects as black males in their late teens or early twenties. The property taken was a watch.
12-14-24 8:00 p.m., 11800 Block of Gorham Ave, the suspect smashed the side glass door and entered the property.
The suspect ransacked the residence and removed the property. The property taken was two watches.
A witness observed the suspect exit the location and enter a black SUV. The suspect was described as a male Hispanic approx. 5’5”.
12-14-24 7:30 p.m., 100 Block of Granville Ave, Susp(s) smashed rear glass door and entered location. Suspects ransacked the location and removed the property. The property taken was jewelry and U.S. currency.
Robbery:
11900 Block of San Vicente, the victim was a maintenance worker using a leaf blower to clean property when the suspect pushed the victim causing him to fall backwards. The Suspect then took the leaf blower from the victim. Officers responded and arrested the suspect for robbery. The suspect appeared to be unhoused and possibly sleeping outside the above location.
ADW (Assault With Deadly Weapon):
None reported BFMV (Burglary from motor vehicle)/ TFMV (Theft from Motor Vehicle)
12-08-24 1:30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m., 12200
Block of San Vicente Blvd, Suspects removed the rear tire from the victim’s
car that was parked on the city street. Remember DO NOT leave key fobs in your vehicle. Most new cars will not allow you to lock your car with the key fob inside. Also, please don’t leave valuables inside your vehicle, especially if they are visible from outside the vehicle. Are car parked in a secure parking garage does not make it immune from being broken into.
GTA (Grand Theft Auto None Reported
Please don’t leave your car unlocked and most importantly NEVER leave your keys in the car. This makes it way too easy for thieves and they will continue to target the area if the opportunities a readily available. If you own a 20102021 Kia or Hyundai be aware that the ignition can be easily defeated and has been posted on social media which has made the rate of these vehicles being stolen skyrocket. If you own one of these vehicles I would recommend a steering wheel lock and/or an ignition immobilizer to make it more difficult to steal.
Theft:
12-08-24 1:00 a.m. – 12: 40 p.m., 11800 Wilshire Blvd, Suspect removed a credit card from wallet while the victim was working out. The victim received an
alert that her credit card was being used at the Century City mall.
12-14-24 4:00 p.m., 11700 Block of San Vicente, Suspect entered the store grabbed numerous jackets, and fled business without attempting to pay
Home Safety Assessments Prevent Your Loved Ones from Falling
Steer Clear of Accidents with Safely Home Again’s Fall Assessments
A call at 3:40 a.m. jolts you from a deep sleep.
What day is it? What time is it?
A few short hours from now is the time you’re supposed to wake up, hurry the kids to school and yourself to work. But you know from the pit in your stomach, that call is important.
It’s the one no one wants to get — your father, in his 80s, had a fall. Luckily, he wore an emergency alert system that notified responders immediately.
“We’re transferring him to the hospital. A broken hip and dislocated shoulder,” responders say, as your body responds to the incident before your mind does, awakening a deep sorrow and your will to sit up.
At the hospital, dad is headed into surgery. The waiting, and the racing thoughts begin as dad — blissfully under anesthesia — enters the operating room.
What happens next? Is he safe at home? Does he need a caregiver? Who will prepare meals for him? Does he need mobility equipment? How can I prevent my father from falling, but also care for my immediate family.
This is what you call a “perfect storm,” scenario that happens so often and anticipated by families with aging loved ones. These is the moment that Safely Home Again becomes your resource: to help you and assist you. A small business that assures you and your
family have a home that is as hazardfree as possible, and the management of your loved one is underway.
Through case management and home and fall safety assessments, Safely Home Again, founded by Los Angeles native Madeline Fry, helps aging adults maintain their independence and live worry-free in the comfort of their home.
Safely Home Again assesses fall risks and hazards in the home, recommending safety measures that families can take to prevent accidents. The 240+ point assessment tool, which requires a certification to conduct, looks for hazards that exist in and around the living space. Hazards may include poor outdoor lighting, inadequate wheelchair ramp, unsafe staircases and more. Once the hazards are found, Safely Home Again provides solutions and vendors who can then be available to complete the actual modifications.
“We become your consultant, advocate and family member,” Fry said.
Caring for aging parents and loved ones is a weight few can carry, but with Safely Home Again, you aren’t doing it alone.
“We’re here for you, so you can get back to what you need to do. Whether that’s your family time, anniversary celebration, piano recitals or basketball games. To see you through those moments — the good and the bad — Safely Home Again’s services are the assurance you and your family needs.
Safely Home Again also aids with discharge planning upon leaving a hospital, skilled or rehabilitation facility; orders and schedules lifestyle services such as the delivery of medical mobility equipment, meal delivery; and
choosing of caregivers.
Safely Home Again is the simple solution for complex issues that, in scenarios like the one above, are hard to navigate without professional help.
“If you find yourself in a similar situation, reach out to us. We’ve got your back, we’ve got your loved ones’ backs, and most importantly, we’re here for you,” Fry said.
To learn more about Safely Home Again and to schedule a safety assessment, visit SafelyHomeAgain. com.
Actor Jim Carrey Sells Brentwood Mansion After $10 Million Price Drop
2-Acre Los Angeles Estate, Listed at $19.75 Million, Finds a
Buyer
Actor Jim Carrey has sold his sprawling Brentwood estate after significantly reducing its price, according to real estate sources.
The 10,954-square-foot mansion, originally listed for $28.9 million in early 2023, went into contract this week at its latest asking price of $19.75 million. Carrey had purchased the property in 1994. Carrey will soon appear in the newest film in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise this month.
Situated on a 2-acre lot, the fivebedroom ranch-style home, built in 1951, features unique amenities including a guest house, an Art Decoinspired theater, and a treetop yoga and meditation platform. The interior highlights include vaulted ceilings, six fireplaces, brick walls, and polished hardwood floors.
Outdoor features include a pool with a waterfall, a tennis court, and various gardens accessible by brick pathways.
for over a year. Initially priced at $28.9 million, it was reduced multiple times before being removed from the market in August 2024 at $21.5 million. It was relisted in September for
$19.75 million, eventually attracting a buyer.
Details of the final sale price and the buyer’s identity have not yet been disclosed.
A grand brick staircase connects a spacious patio to the pool area, while additional pathways meander through wooded sections of the property.
The property, listed by Janelle Friedman and Graham J. Larson of
Sotheby’s International Realty, was on the market
Jamie Foxx Injured in Beverly Hills Restaurant Altercation at His Birthday Dinner
Beverly Hills Police Investigate Battery Incident at Mr. Chow
The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) is investigating an altercation at Mr. Chow restaurant on Friday night that left actor Jamie Foxx injured.
Officers responded to a call about a possible assault with a deadly weapon at the upscale eatery, located at 344 N.
Camden Drive, at approximately 10:06 p.m. on Dec. 13. Upon arrival, police determined the reported assault was unfounded, and the incident instead involved a physical altercation between individuals.
Foxx, who was celebrating his birthday, required stitches after being struck by a glass reportedly thrown from another table, according to a spokesperson for the Oscar-winning actor. “He had to get stitches and is recovering,” the spokesperson said in a statement Saturday. “The police were called and the matter is now in law
enforcement’s hands.”
The BHPD conducted a preliminary investigation and documented the incident as a battery. No arrests were
made at the scene. In the press release, BPHD emphasized its commitment to public safety and confirmed it will continue to investigate the matter.
Historic Preservation
Pacific Park’s Famous Pacific Wheel Just Got a Fun (and Educational) New Upgrade
Riding the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park just got even more enjoyable. Now, along with the incredible views of the Pacific coastline, riders will get fun map installations showing exactly what they’re looking at.
Imagine sitting at the very top of the Pacific Wheel with the city and the coast stretched out below you. As you gaze at the sights you wonder, “What is that island over there? Where is the Hollywood sign? What is that amazing building?”
Pacific Park has created a fun way to answer these questions. As part of a new creative project, the Park has installed specially illustrated, artistdesigned maps around the inside rim of each of the Pacific Wheel’s gondolas.
Now, all guests can get ride-enhancing information on what they’re looking at once they’re at the top of the Ferris wheel.
Of course, these are not just any old maps. To create something unique and reflect Los Angeles’ colorful creativity, Pacific Park collaborated with Chepe Daniel Báez, a renowned graphic artist based in Mexico City. Daniel Báez gorgeous illustrative ‘maps’ show all the landmarks and points of interest surrounding Pacific Park, including Point Dune, Malibu, Getty Museum, the Hollywood sign, the original Muscle Beach, the Pacific Coast Highway, and of course the Santa Monica Pier.
Nathan Smithson, Director of Marketing & Business Development at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, said his team was thrilled with the collaboration. “Daniel Báez’s awardwinning graphic design expertise made him the ideal choice for this unique gondola mapping project. Now, when guests ride the Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel, they’ll not only enjoy a bird’seye view of the stunning landscape but also have reference points to some of Los Angeles’ most iconic and popular landmarks.”
The Pacific Park team came up with
the idea for the gondola maps in 2018, but it wasn’t until 2023 that the project was put into action. Then, the process for completing the project was meticulous.
Daniel Báez made multiple drafts of the drawings and visited Pacific Park several times. Each time, the design team would print out the drafts, ride the Pacific Wheel, and discuss changes that could be made to enhance guests’ experience. Once the images were completed, largeformat print specialists Verve Printing transferred them to durable ‘wraps’ and installed them inside the rim of the gondolas.
Daniel Báez says he wanted to make the images as accurate as possible, but still with a good amount of abstraction. “There are so many historic things you can see from the Pacific Wheel, and the idea was to make them really stand out so visitors can play a little game trying to locate them all.”
The artist spent several months in LA during the Pacific Park project, staying with part of his mother’s family. He says his favorite part of the trip was exploring Santa Monica and all the landmarks he needed to represent. “I had a ton of fun
drawing a part of the city that I love walking through and exploring, always with perfect weather.” Recognized as a Latin American Young Talent by the Latin American Design Festival in Lima, Peru, Daniel Báez also loved being able to leave his footprint in such a historic part of California. “Getting to ride the Ferris wheel while honing every iteration was the coolest way to have meetings,” he adds.
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is open daily and features 12 thrilling rides, including the West Coaster and the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. Visit pacpark.com for more details.
Krispy Kreme and Lodge Bread Unite for Limited-Edition
Hanukkah Sufganiyot
Only for a Limited Time and in Limited Quantities for This Special Collaboration
Krispy Kreme and Los Angeles-based bakery Lodge Bread are teaming up to offer a limited-edition collection of Hanukkah-themed sufganiyot, or jelly doughnuts, just in time for the holiday season.
Combining Krispy Kreme’s beloved airy doughnut with Lodge Bread’s house-made raspberry jam, the artisanal sufganiyot will be available in limited quantities during Hanukkah. The treats
are sold in half-dozen boxes for $30, with a limit of two boxes per customer. Customers can find them at Lodge Bread locations in Culver City, Woodland Hills, and Beverly Hills.
“We’re excited to team up with Krispy Kreme to bring our own spin to this beloved Hanukkah tradition,” said Or Amsalam, co-founder of Lodge Bread. “This collaboration is a true celebration of craft, quality, and the joy of the season.”
Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 25 and ends at sundown on Jan. 2, 2025. Fans of both brands are encouraged to act quickly, as the special doughnuts will be offered on a first-come, firstserved basis throughout the holiday.
